The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Franklin wrote his autobiography in the form of an extended letter to his son. While recording the events of his life, he adds instructions for good living which makes this work America’s first “How to Succeed” book. Edited by Frank Woodworth Pine (1869-1919). (Summary by Gary)

Reviews

(5 stars)

This is one of the great classics of American history, but it's almost ruined by the reader. He sounds like a 3rd grader reading aloud to the class for the first time, halting between words and pausing in the wrong places. He mispronounces words frequently, even 3 on 1 page. I know LibriVox depends on volunteers, but there should be some minimal standards.

Can't stand this recording

(1 stars)

Noah F

It's so interesting listening to this recording! The reader is speaking the text, but when I listen it sounds like a different language to me. The reader is attempting to sound stoic, and giving no importance to the meaning of the words he is reading. it ends up sounding like an alien language to me and I had to give up after 10 minutes of being entirely confused

unfortunately could not finish

(2 stars)

jaded_grl

i am sure this is a fascinating book, but the reader is so choppy in his words & use of punction. there is no fluidity to it, so iy makes it very hard to listen to. i have tried twice & never got to the end of chapter one. i will just have to read this one myself the old fashioned way.

wise counsel for anyone seeking improvement

(5 stars)

AppreciativeMe

Excellent advice for living, and much wisdom imparted by a man of diligent and frugal accomplishment. The reader annunciates clearly but his pace stumbles frequently causing the listener to needs give extra attention to what is being said in order to understand some parts. The value of Franklin's insights far out weighs any shortcomings in the reading.

unlistenable

(0.5 stars)

jeffvt

Very sorry, but it is so choppy, stilted,and broken that it is too much mental work to reassemble the words and simultaneously appreciate the great man's meaning. There must be many people who could read ahead and produce a fluid version worthy of the 18th century prose.

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

(5 stars)

G Musshorn

I had wanted to learn of the contents of this
book for many years. Little did I know. How
much wisdom and council to improve my daily
life; would be revealed. Much thanks to
librovox and the volunteers who make
listening possible.

My Friend Ben

(5 stars)

Arturo

Wow, i’m very impressed that his writing style is down to earth and plain enough to still be enjoyable today. I felt like he was having a conversation with the reader, I specially liked the little anecdote he has about the fish and why he can eat them. I won’t lie I’m a little disappointed that the book seems to end before the revolutionary war, doesn’t really touch upon the Declaration of Independence, the constitution, or the bill of rights. Although this doesn’t take away from the rest of the book since he tells you all about himself and where he came from, what form to starts, the experiences that made him who he is. I’m very pleased with the fact that even then he believed that slander and propaganda in the media was malpractice. It was even amusing to know that even Ben Franklin had trouble with the lady sometimes. Great listen the narrator does a good job, I recommend this to anyone and everyone who, especially if you live in the United States.

(5 stars)

Ganesh Mallya

I am from India. We had no access to such thought provoking auto biographies of world leaders, thinkers, philosophers till recently. Thanks to Internet and LibriVox. Now, I am 63 years old and I wish I should have listened to chapter 8 during my college days. It would have helped me fine tune my personality. Anyway, better late than never. Thanks to the reader for his excellent pronunciation and easy pace.